The Blessing on the Plan

Many plans are in a man’s mind, But it is the LORD’S purpose for him that will stand (be carried out). Proverbs 19:21 Amplified Bible

Yesterday, I listened to a sermon on pursuing our interests with the expectation that God will automatically bless our plans. The Pastor explained that when he received the message from God that his purpose was to be a leader, specifically a pastor, he resisted. He confessed that in his prayer, he challenged God. “God, I have a great business idea and have been approved for financing. I need your help to find a building.” Yes, he had grand plans for himself. The desire to have his own business consumed his every waking moment. But then God flexed His divine authority and set up roadblocks that should have been open doors. When the financing for the proposed business fell through then, he acquiesced by accepting his calling of divine purpose.

Sadly, the most prevalent response to his sermon indicated the reason for the escalated anxieties among modern believers, “What is my purpose? I wish God would reveal what he wants me to do.” This is an overwhelming issue common in today’s body of believers–not having direction and purpose for their lives. We could analyze the “cause and effect” aspect of not living a purpose-driven life, but let’s skip that conversation by identifying the solutions to immediately remedy the problem.

We are disciples of Jesus Christ. Our spiritual purpose is to witness. The manner in which we minister depends on our spiritual gifts.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 11

Jesus Christ is our role model. He had a team of 12 disciples to accompany Him to minister to others. They also had the same power to perform miracles, yet, they totally relied on Jesus to do everything. The Great Commission found in Matthew 28:16-20 is a command for action: Go! Every believer is responsible for witnessing that Jesus Christ is Lord, He cares and alleviates our suffering.

When I became physically disabled and my nursing career ended prematurely, I was very disappointed. I asked God for direction and purpose. Even though I was tech-challenged, I began to research, “How were individuals placing text on images?” Yes, there were expensive options, but my purpose was to promote practical messages for impractical times. I downloaded a simple text on the picture app, WordSwag, and posted encouraging bible verses on beautiful pictures.

The progression from posting scriptures to creating a website for publishing devotionals has led to a publishing company accepting my manuscript for a daily devotional book. The willingness to pray for divine guidance and use my spiritual gifts has led to an online ministry with many followers. This is not about self-promotion. I do not accept financial donations. I am simply a disciple on a mission to alleviate the suffering of others by giving them hope through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

God uses ordinary people who are willing and obedient to spread the message of Jesus’ soon coming. We are the light-bearers and the messengers who spread the message of hope. There are so many options for outreach ministry, the elderly and disabled who would appreciate home-cooked meals or house cleaning, volunteering to assist the homeless, soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, or posting online encouragement. Remember, Jesus left us with a priority task, we must “Go!” to receive the reward of “Well done.” © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Who is going to tell them? I will!

What Must I Do To Be Saved? Audio

https://anchor.fm/sonya-johnson-ruiz/embed/episodes/What-Must-I-Do-To-Be-Saved-e1b569k

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Acts 2:21

Our first step is to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior. At that moment, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians 5:17. Hallelujah! Our decision allows us to become part of the family of God. It is then that our transformation begins. We surrender ourselves to faithfully live holy and righteous lives. Validate who you belong to every day. Identify yourself as a commandment-keeping disciple of Jesus Christ. We are followers of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. As Christians, we never stand alone.

Human Effort

…but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”1 Peter 1:15-16

So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other. If you obey all the decrees and commands I am giving you today, all will be well with you and your children. I am giving you these instructions so you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord your God is giving you, for all time. Deuteronomy 4:39-40

Our highest form of worship to God is obedience. But how do we know what God requires? But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26. We pray, asking for the anointing of the Holy Spirit before studying the Bible. To have a relationship with Jesus, we must know and understand who He is. Study the book of John [the book after Mark] in the New Testament. 

The importance of studying the scriptures is not stressed enough. We require spiritual knowledge along with divine intervention to live holy. The Holy Spirit teaches us how to live godly. The Bible is our spiritual mirror. Since it is impossible for us to teach ourselves holiness, God has the Spiritual Team–God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and guardian/messenger angels to help us stay on the Path of Righteousness.

Sanctification–becoming like Jesus is a lifelong journey. Do not become discouraged! Our walk with Jesus requires daily consecration. Acknowledging our sinful nature but having the desire to be transformed keeps us walking through life on bended knees. You will begin to notice the spiritual changes in the way you think and the increased desire for righteousness.

For correct understanding, wisdom, and discernment, we pray every day for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Prayer is vital for the disciple’s life. Through prayer, we receive guidance, wisdom, comfort, and discernment. Prayer is our lifeline–connecting us to Divinity. It is through prayer that we receive Jesus’ peace and inner joy, despite our challenges.

Divine Intervention: Jesus is on our side. He is our greatest Friend, still serving humanity as our Heavenly Intercessor. Jesus loves us!

John was the disciple that Jesus loved. Why? Because his heart was committed 100% to Jesus Christ. John fully accepted Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus did not show favoritism. The other disciples had their own agenda. They desired financial wealth and power. They anxiously waited for Jesus to become King and overthrow the existing government.

With most of His disciples having a mindset in opposition to Jesus’ divine purpose, Peter, James, and John were chosen as the three disciples that accompanied Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration [read Matthew chapter 17]. The Omniscient Jesus knew that Peter, James, and John had faults, but they loved Him with great loyalty. Jesus was aware that those three disciples were willing to lay down their lives for Jesus.

Does God reward obedience? Yes, he does. When boiled in oil, the Apostle John had the loving Jesus intervene from heaven. John did not die, nor did he have injuries from the attempt to kill him. Although he was exiled to the Isle of Patmos, he wrote 1,2,3 John and Revelation. Yes, the faithful disciple of Jesus was given the visions of Heaven and the end of time prophecies recorded in the book of Revelation. Are you ready to dedicate yourself as a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ, living a faith-based life with intent and purpose?

I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

Placing ourselves in the hands of a loving Savior gives us the confidence that “God is with us.” Nothing can separate us from the love of God because we are part of the family of God. Here is our best gift! Jesus Christ gave His life for the sins of His followers. As a result, there is “now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1.

Always remember, Jesus is currently “at the right hand of God” in the heavenly throne room, where He intercedes for us as our High Priest. From the overwhelming love that we have for Christ, we desire to align ourselves with God’s requirements.

We are safe in Jesus. Nothing can separate us from the love of God except our own personal decision to reject the One who is currently interceding for us in the heavenly Temple above. We Have an Intercessor, George R. Knight.

Hallelujah! We are nearing home!

Prayer: God, we thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus that we may have eternal life. Jesus, thank you for your commitment to suffer on the cross for us that we may have the greatest friend of all times. In Jesus’ name. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Searching For Treasure Audio

https://anchor.fm/sonya-johnson-ruiz/embed/episodes/Searching-For-Treasure-Audio-e1b3a0b

Our fingerprints and footprints are distinguishing evidence that we are uniquely created. Even so, we also have other characteristics that indicate “there is only one like me”. Our likes and dislikes are a combination of learned behavior and experiential occurrences. Even identical twins and siblings raised in the same environment will not have carbon copy preferences.

One thing is for sure, most of us share the happiness that comes from having money and tangible things that we like. Of course, there are the extremes of hating and loving materialism, but we speak of the comfort that money provides within normal limits. Yet, money ranks as the most powerful addiction that humanity struggles with every day. The lack of money alters our happiness, often plummeting us into depression and desperation. The love of money results in the person possessing no boundaries to obtain it, produces a cut-throat mindset to keep it, and provokes the ability to take from others without remorse.

Yes, we must have money for our basic necessities. Still, our perspective changes when we have an over-abundance of money and material things. Money is pleasing. Money is captivating, and it pulls us into a false sense of security that all is well and will be forever and ever. The power of money is so strong that Jesus addressed and warned us of the conflict and the wayward affections for money. Money is a master!

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Matthew 6:21,24

The most misunderstood scriptures are the ones where God speaks of prospering and restoring us. Our minds spontaneously generate visions of having wealth in our present lives. Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2. Yes, the first section of the verse is most often interpreted as a promise of material prosperity. Jesus promised in Matthew 6 to take care of today’s needs without thought for tomorrow. Oh, the peace and joy we would possess if we lived by this promise.

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3

Our riches of spiritual prosperity and the inheritance of eternal life will be received at the Second Coming of Jesus. Yes, God is gracious in giving many believers an abundance of wealth to help others. Sadly, we have lost the meaning of sharing and taking care of our destitute brothers and sisters.

Since we cannot judge ourselves spiritually, David gave us a powerful prayer of humility asking God to reveal the status of our hearts: Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24. Edited. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

Searching For Treasure

Our fingerprints and footprints are distinguishing evidence that we are uniquely created. Even so, we also have other characteristics that indicate “there is only one like me”. Our likes and dislikes are a combination of learned behavior and experiential occurrences. Even identical twins and siblings raised in the same environment will not have carbon copy preferences.

One thing is for sure, most of us share the happiness that comes from having money and tangible things that we like. Of course, there are the extremes of hating and loving materialism, but we speak of the comfort that money provides within normal limits. Yet, money ranks as the most powerful addiction that humanity struggles with every day. The lack of money alters our happiness, often plummeting us into depression and desperation. The love of money results in the person possessing no boundaries to obtain it, produces a cut-throat mindset to keep it, and provokes the ability to take from others without remorse.

Yes, we must have money for our basic necessities. Still, our perspective changes when we have an over-abundance of money and material things. Money is pleasing. Money is captivating, and it pulls us into a false sense of security that all is well and will be forever and ever. The power of money is so strong that Jesus addressed and warned us of the conflict and the wayward affections for money. Money is a master!

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Matthew 6:21,24

The most misunderstood scriptures are the ones where God speaks of prospering and restoring us. Our minds spontaneously generate visions of having wealth in our present lives. Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2. Yes, the first section of the verse is most often interpreted as a promise of material prosperity. Jesus promised in Matthew 6 to take care of today’s needs without thought for tomorrow. Oh, the peace and joy we would possess if we lived by this promise.

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3

Our riches of spiritual prosperity and the inheritance of eternal life will be received at the Second Coming of Jesus. Yes, God is gracious in giving many believers an abundance of wealth to help others. Sadly, we have lost the meaning of sharing and taking care of our destitute brothers and sisters.

Since we cannot judge ourselves spiritually, David gave us a powerful prayer of humility asking God to reveal the status of our hearts: Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24. Edited. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry

The Art of Manipulation

To say that I have had an exciting nursing career is an understatement. My entrance to the dark underworld of perpetrators began in 1994. Working for the New York State Division of Parole was a life-altering experience. The symptoms reported by the residents during their initial intake assessment were usually a feeble attempt to escape [abscond] from the locked facility. Outside medical evaluations for emergent conditions were the only valid reason the resident could leave the building for the initial four weeks following admission. From behind bars to the ability to look out the windows of a residential building in a commercial area on a busy street in Upper Manhattan tempted many of the residents to test their skills on nursing staff that appeared to be naive. After all, how much could two nurses [wearing regular clothing] know about the art of manipulation?

Reading medical books was a favorite past-time for a few residents who attempted to mimic the symptoms of certain infectious diseases. Yes, I must admit that the skill of manipulation was utilized quite well. But there was always something out of sync with the reported symptoms. Usually, the symptoms reported did not include a high fever that always accompanied the actual disease. In addition, the residents were unaware that the nursing staff received a complete copy of their medical records, which we reviewed to approve their transfer to the minimum security facility. Unless there was an acute onset of an undiagnosed condition, all residents transferred were in excellent health.

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, the Apostle Paul tells us of the signs of the last days.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

The Loss of Our Time

Satan, our arch-enemy, is highly effective at manipulation. We can agree that he is the Master Deceiver. Still, many anticipate obvious deceptions that they can readily identify. Not so! He cannot be equaled in the Art of Manipulation. His most effective tactic is to chip away and steal our valuable time with God. We are not referring to a cookie-cutter approach. The distractions are customized for every disciple of Jesus Christ. It is in the areas of relaxation, self-improvement, and our career goals that leave us too exhausted to put God first. From social media to the pursuit of academic goals or children enrolled in too many extracurricular activities are the distractions that diminish time spent with God. Still, the number one distraction, our jobs. We easily transition from a 40-hour week to uncounted hours [even if we are not physically present] spent in overtime and thinking about the responsibilities of tomorrow.

Considering your daily schedule, does God receive even 5% of each 24-hour day?

Yes, the skill of manipulation works so well with time. We rarely notice the wasted minutes escalating into hours until we are spiritually depleted, mentally overwhelmed, and physically exhausted. But wait! God sees that we require a reminder that we need Him. By allowing trials and hardships to enter our lives, we receive a necessary spiritual wake-up nudge. And how do we respond? We respond with misguided emotions because our spiritual resources are tapped dry. Then we are overcome by the Ds–downtrodden, depressed, and despondent. As despair overwhelms us, we feel forsaken, and ask, “Where are you, God?”

Spending time with God matters. In Ephesians chapter 6, verses 10-11, we are warned: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. The change that is required to serve God wholeheartedly is a choice. God tells us that His very Name is Jealous. God is God! The “I Am that I Am” does not change. Put God first! Anchor yourself in Christ! Ask for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Time spent praying and studying the scriptures opens our spiritual eyes. The Spirit of God imparts the knowledge, wisdom, and strength to identify Satan’s manipulative attempts to steal time that belongs to our loving and patient Heavenly Father.

Prayer: God, help us to give you more of our time. Time to worship and commune with you every day. The time to receive spiritual renewal along with wisdom as we seek knowledge. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. © 2021 Sonya Johnson, Faithful Fishers Ministry